City of Palm Springs designates hotels, vacation rentals for Coronavirus mitigation
Palm Springs City Manager David Ready clarified the state and city's moratorium, and declared that vacation rentals, hotels, and other lodging facilities are not allowed to operate within city limits unless they are used for mitigation and containment measures related to COVID-19.
Several hotels have already made themselves available.
"Hotels could choose to close and that’s their individual choice. Again, hotels that do not have guests falling in those essential services, they’re not going to be able to open anyways," Palm Springs City Manager David Ready said.
Guests will need to fall under the essential services category mapped out by the state, including medical staff and first responders.
"We have a contracted airline crew that is staying with us. We have a couple of rooms for the Desert Regional Medical Center," Hilton Palm Springs Vice President Aftab Dada said.
The Hilton Palm Springs is contributing to house those on the frontlines. It's a choice only few have opted for, after the City of Palm Springs ordered a moratorium on rentals.
Dada said a skeleton crew is working to accommodate hotel guests. They're one of many having to adjust to the ever-changing policies put forth by various forms of government.
"One of the things that we’re finding is with our homeowners, they’re completely understanding of the situation and its been really amazing to see their reaction," McLean Company COO, Kelly McLean said.
McLean's family has owned the business since the 80s. The company has opted to stay open, and work with homeowners to find housing for anyone in need.
"For example we have a guest that can’t get back to Europe and the owners have offered to let them stay for free, or for a discounted rate," McLean said.
One of the bigger questions has been how the response will be in the vent of a surge in Coronavirus cases.
"There are preparations going on at every level for a potential surge," Ready said.
In recent weeks, health officials have warned that the number of cases could spike. The trickle down effect could also mean an overwhelmed healthcare system, and limited resources.
"Both the city, county and state have powers in that kind of emergency and that’s part of the planning process. We’re looking down the road. We’re planning for the worst case scenario but we’re hoping for the best case scenario," Ready said.
